Chapter 83

_To these, DOROTHY, L. U. E. DOROTHY, unseen by AUSTIN, shrieks. Sensation. Music stops. Tableau_

AUSTIN (_recovering his composure_). Your Royal Highness, suffer me to excuse the disrespect of this young gentleman. He has so much apology, and I have, I hope, so good a credit, as incline me to accept this blow. But I must beg of your Highness, and, gentlemen, all of you here present, to bear with me while I will explain what is too capable of misconstruction. I am the rejected suitor of this young gentleman's sister; of Miss Dorothy Musgrave: a lady whom I singularly honour and esteem; a word from whom (if I could hope that word) would fill my life with happiness. I was not worthy of that lady; when I was defeated in fair field, I presumed to make advances through her maid. See in how laughable a manner fate repaid me! The waiting-girl derided, the mistress denied, and now comes in this very ardent champion who publicly insults me. My vanity is cured; you will judge it right, I am persuaded, all of you, that I should accept my proper punishment in silence; you, my Lord Duke, to pardon this young gentleman; and you, Mr. Musgrave, to spare me further provocation, which I am determined to ignore.

DOROTHY (_rushing forward, falling at AUSTIN'S knees, and seizing his hand_). George, George, it was for me. My hero! take me! What you will!

AUSTIN (_in an agony_). My dear creature, remember that we are in public. (_Raising her._) Your Royal Highness, may I present you Mrs. George Frederick Austin? (_The curtain falls on a few bars of "The Lass of Richmond Hill."_)

ADMIRAL GUINEA

DEDICATED WITH AFFECTION AND ESTEEM TO

ANDREW LANG

BY THE SURVIVORS OF THE _WALRUS_

SAVANNAH, _this 27th day of September, 1884_

PERSONS REPRESENTED

JOHN GAUNT, called "ADMIRAL GUINEA," once Captain of the Slaver _Arethusa_

ARETHUSA GAUNT, his Daughter

DAVID PEW, a Blind Beggar, once Boatswain of the _Arethusa_

KIT FRENCH, a Privateersman

MRS. DRAKE, Landlady of the "Admiral Benbow" Inn

The Scene is laid in the neighbourhood of Barnstaple. The Time is about the year 1760. The Action occupies part of a day and night

NOTE.--_Passages suggested for omission in representation are enclosed in parentheses, thus_ ( )

ADMIRAL GUINEA